Thursday, May 23, 2013

The future of Soccer in the USA

David Beckhan retires
USL Pro enters into agreement with MLS
MLS announces expansion with collaborative partnership between ManU and the New York Yankees.
The NASL relaunches old brands of the past

What does all of this mean?

Don't forget the NASL. They are back and expanding. They are making big inroads in places like South Florida, San Antonio and Raleigh, NC. And they are coming soon to Loudon, VA and bringing back the New York Cosmos in a couple of months to start the second half of the NASL season. They own the rights to all of the NASL teams of the past (Tampa Bay Rowdies, Strikers, Cosmos) and are relaunching those brands one at a time, and adding to the mix. They are getting soccer-specific stadiums. And they do not desire to be a developmental league for MLS clubs. They want to compete on the same level.

So, what is the viability of soccer in America? Arguably a growing sport. In Philadelphia, the Union have a solidly loyal fan base, and now we see the introduction of a SECOND New York franchise, in addition to the reemergence of the NY Cosmos brand in another league? Can this be sustainable?